Very Concerned

[lovekatz1975 1]

I live in NYC and was banded 10/1/07 by Dr. Ren.

My dad lives in Casa Grande and is going through the process of being banded by Dr. Fang.

There are things I don't understand and maybe someone could clarify them for me.

I had to do a 2 week liquid diet (consisting of 5 slim fasts, 2 oz of PLAIN chicken, and 2 cups of veggies per day. No sugar, no fat). After surgery I had to do strict liquids (slim fast, chicken broth, I drank lots of coffee) until I was given the ok to move on to mushies (approximately 10 days later).

His doctor wants a 1 week liquid diet and DOES NOT want him to drink slim fast or anything with artificial sweeteners. Post op, same thing, liquids (basically just chicken broth) and again, no slim fast.

How are you supposed to maintain any kind of nutrition on chicken broth? His doctor claims artificial sweeteners make you produce insulin which makes you hungry.

Also, when he gets a fill, they want him to GUZZLE down Water and if it gets stuck, he's too tight and if it goes right down, he's too loose. When I get a fill, they want me to SIP my water to make sure it goes through. I was told NEVER to guzzle my liquids.

This isn't making sense to me.

[snowbird 2]

There was a study that came out recently about how the body reacts to artificial sweeteners. However, I was on a low carb diet for three years before I was banded, and artificial sweeteners never made me hungry the way sugar and white carbs did (does). Even now, a year after surgery, if I had to live without artificial sweeteners, I would probably fail miserably.

How long post op is he supposed to be on the liquid diet? Every doctor is different with their dietary rules. Mine said I had to lose 5% of my body weight pre op, and could use a variety of diets to achieve that depending on how much time I had to diet before surgery. After surgery, I was on Clear Liquids for 7 days, then two weeks of "full liquids" which included yogurt drinks, cream Soups, and Protein shakes. I didn't use slim fast, but I did have a Protein shake mix that contained artificial sweeteners. I still use it occasionally when I think I am shorting myself on Protein.< /p>

Some doctors say no caffeine after surgery, and some (like mine) said coffee is fine.

I don't really know what to add about the slurping down liquids to test for a good fill level. I found that my own sensations of fullness or "backing up" were more reliable than what the doctor saw on the fluoroscope to determine a correct fill level. I wouldn't think drinking rapidly once or twice would cause damage, but on the other hand, I always would have problems drinking quickly without having some real discomfort, so I don't think it would provide a reliable indication of correct fill level.

The problem with a doctor presenting a patient with too strict and too limiting a post op diet is that it makes it that much harder for the patient to stick to it. I would think he would get VERY hungry on just broth after more than a week, when the stomach swelling from surgery goes down. However, I realize we all often think our own doctors are the wisest and give the best advice, while any deviation from that is questionable.

[Jachut 487]

I think it just goes to show that NONE of this is proven science and that our doctors all have their own opinions on things. I think that when you choose a doctor, you are choosing to follow their instructions for the most part and so I think your father should follow his instructions even if they are different to yours.

But overall, when it comes to life with the band, you need to inform yourself, make your own decisions and do what makes your body feel good.

My personal choices are that high Protein and cutting good carbs is not particularly healthy, artificial sweeteners and low fat are a waste of time and that you should simply apply moderation to sugary or fatty foods instead, carbs dont make you hungrier and that lots of cardio does build muscle rather than wasting it like people say. MY opinion and MY experience has backed that up for me, its a little coincidental that its also the way we tend to approach banding in Australia.

The next person on here will disagree vehemently with everything I just said becuase THEIR opinion and THEIR experience tells them different.

Same with you and your father. His journey will be different to yours, but it doesnt mean either way is the only way. I wouldnt be too concerned with how he will go or what he will do compared to you. less calories and more exercise = weight loss, the rest is just splitting hairs.

I dont think doctors can even agree on what is dangerous for the band and what isnt. My doctor has no problem at all with caffeine or carbonation, the next doctor would have conniptions at the very thought.

I've no idea how I got into an Arizona forum either, sorry, lol.

Edited November 14, 2008 by Jachut

[snowbird 2]

You're welcome here anytime, Jacqui!

[SueAZ 3]

Debbie,

I was banded by Dr Fang in May. The info you are getting is the same as I was given. I have always talked with Andrea the RN who does the fills and does the support groups. Andrea is very BIG on no sugar or sweeteners. I have taken this with a grain of salt. I survived on milk and instant Breakfast for the liquid stage. I still have a problem with portions and that is my fault.

I don't really think that the staff gives enough in the way of food guidelines and possible meals plans.

As for the fills, I have had two (2.4 and 2.6.) And yes I laid down they stuck the port and then had me sit up and drink a glass of Water. I drank the Water normally. Once you back up they back off the fill. My second fill I never backed up and was told I had streched my pouch. I have been at 6cc and pretty content. I am a slow loser but that's more me than the band .

Hope this helps some....

Edited November 28, 2008 by SueAZ

[AZTrish 0]

I did what you did, but protien shakes made with powder, no slim fast. Have you checked out this doctor's credentials? Every doctor's plan varies a little, but it seems like his varies a lot.